Ham Wallhttps://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/default.aspxDo you love our Ham Wall nature reserve? Share your thoughts with the community. Or if you&#39;re thinking about visiting and would like to find out more, ask away!en7.x ProductionBlog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 16.02.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/02/16/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-16-02-2018.aspxFri, 16 Feb 2018 16:33:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:67a0db66-8b24-4ce6-a792-00c7499d329aStephen Couch Yet again there's a awful lot to report from the reserve this week - it's often hard to know where to start so I'll just go on a kind of imaginary walking tour of the reserve and take you through what's been seen. Guess it makes sense then to start in the car park. Obviously lots of common species can be seen here including very friendly robins, blue tit, great tit, goldfinch, blackbird, wren and dunnock but also look out for pied wagtails darting around on the car park surface and bullfinches within the surrounding hedgerows - seen this morning too. Keep your eyes and ears open for Ravens - seen flying over on a few occasions this week including today, jays in the taller trees - 2 flew out from here yesterday and fieldfare & redwing of which the latter was seen flying over on Sunday. As you leave the car park and take to the main track you've got an increased chance of seeing bullfinches (see photos). Quite a few sightings this week all the way down but particularly from the 1st platform (VP1) to beyond the 2nd platform (VP2). Gangs of long tailed tits flit along the tree lines with constant contact calls. Look out for mixed flocks of birds they can often contain surprises - perhaps a chiffchaff or a goldcrest - both of which have been seen along the main track this week. Check all the goldcrests though - a firecrest instead perhaps (look for the obvious eye stripe). Also seen along the main track this week: redpoll, siskin, song thrush, treecreeper and look (and listen) out for great spotted woodpeckers - a few heard drumming away this week. Your imaginary walk has now brought you to VP1. Definitely worth stopping here. Take a good scan around to see a great selection of wildfowl: mallard, gadwall, teal, wigeon, tufted duck, shoveler, pochard and even pintail have been recorded here during the last week. It's a bit of a favourite haunt for great white egrets too - they can be seen here most days. Little Egrets are often seen here too - good when they are close together to see that size difference. Good numbers of lapwing are often present and on a couple of occasions 20+ black tailed godwits. Little grebes are being spotted and most definitely heard across the reserve - with constant whinnying calls, whilst a great crested grebe pair have been spotted displaying and weed dancing this week. Look out too for the glossy ibis. It's still been seen with cattle egrets in the local area and they are still roosting on the reserve each night . The ibis has been seen on the reserve a few times this week however including both platforms and the Avalon Hide. Here's John Crispin's photo of the glossy ibis dropping in front of VP1 yesterday. Thanks John: Across in Waltons check out the island that the 3rd screen looks at (on the right as you walk into Waltons). 12 snipe were recorded here on Wednesday and 17 on Sunday but other records from other days too - a possible sighting of jack snipe as well. This screen is also a good place to sit and wait for kingfisher. They often perch on the right hand side across the water in the reeds and 2 were seen in a chase by John Crispin last weekend. Daily sightings at Waltons though. The ferruginous duck was spotted with the Waltons section on Monday but I've had no further reports - but of course this doesn't mean it's not about. The ring necked duck has also been spotted again this week - from the Tor View Hide on Sunday but was spotted over at the Avalon Hide yesterday. Also from the Tor View Hide this week: water rail, bittern, marsh harrier, peregrine, little grebe, great crested grebes, reed buntings, cettis warbler and kingfisher. Lookout also for signs of grey herons nest building again in the reedbeds. One was seen carrying a stick this week in the Waltons area - a now traditional nest site for a few herons each year. . Out to the Avalon Hide next; On the way check out the area on your left. Quite shallow water here in places and the teal, shoveler and lapwings like this in particular as well as small flocks of snipe. You can get a bit closer by going to the temporary screens on the left just before you enter the wood. Through the wood look out for treecreeper, stonechats in the reedy edges and great spotted woodpeckers. Always worth looking back to the owl box on the edge of the wood once you reach the hide - sometimes the tawny owl will show itself. Plenty of other possibilities when it comes to birds of prey here. Barn owls can also be seen sometimes in the boxes to the left of the hide. This week from the Avalon Hide: sparrowhawk, buzzard, kestrel, peregrine (male and female) and several marsh harriers have all been spotted. In fact on Monday a marsh harrier and a bittern were seen drinking from the waters edge together and then a sparrowhawk and marsh harrier were seen in close proximity. I'm sure the peace between marsh harrier and bittern will be far more uneasy come breeding season - we often see conflict between these 2 from this hide. A bittern was booming weakly from in front of this hide this morning and 3 were seen here yesterday. Back to VP2 now to finish. More of the same perhaps but generally good sightings here of marsh harrier, great white egret, little egret (pictured) pintail and Canada or greylag goose. There has been a big group over near Sharpham where a pink footed goose was reported amongst them. These groups often loiter on the reserve or fly over so worth scanning the skeens. A windblown Little Egret taken this week - John Crispin Siskin can often be seen in the trees next to the platform, fieldfare and redwing have flown over this week too whilst lapwing, snipe and black tail godwits have also been seen here. Again plenty of wildfowl. Here's an interesting shot of gadwall taken by John Crispin this week. Several males (black bills) persuing a female (orange bill) in order to obtain a mate - perhaps a little one sided. Thanks again John for all you shots this week: Also on the reserve this week: Roe deer seen on several occasions, peacock butterflies seen out and about yesterday with a bumblebee (species not identified) and the starlings appear to be back on Ham Wall viewed from the 2 platforms. Thank you to those of you who have voted for us so far in the Countryfile magazine awards. If you could please sign up to our Thunderclap too we'd be really grateful. You can do it here: http://thndr.me/GJ1Ych . It helps spread the message about voting for Ham Wall as Nature Reserve of the year. The more people who join the more people who know to vote for us. That's it for this week - thanks for reading - have a great weekend. Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 09.02.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/02/09/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-09-02-2018.aspxFri, 09 Feb 2018 12:26:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:cb36a607-9a8c-4d77-9616-b6e4a70beb87Stephen Couch Great to see the reserve and surrounding area on "Hugh's Wild West on BBC 1 on Saturday night. Ham Wall and the Avalon Marshes feature heavily and look stunning. If you haven't watched it, you really should. It's on BBC iplayer and features starlings, great white egrets, bitterns, staff, volunteers and local enthusiasts amongst other things. You even get the briefest glimpses of me - not that that's a great reason to watch it of course. The programme was a great advert for the reserve and the local area though and well worth watching. So what's been happening on the reserve this week? - plenty as always - so much sometimes that it's hard to know where to start. Well seeing as all the heron species were some of the stars of the programme, let's start there. More booming albeit quiet and some grunting reported from bitterns this week - they are still warming up but will be getting louder and more prominent over the next few weeks. We'll be having our usual early morning bittern listen across the Avalon Marshes in mid March and should reasonably expect to hear between 40 and 50 males, given the trends and figures for the last few years. In terms of seeing one, you just have to be in the right place at the right time. Last Sunday (4th) one was stood in the cut areas in front of the Avalon Hide and there have been some flights reported here too so definitely worth a try. Some have also been seen in flight over the area in front of the 1st platform (VP1) this week too. Great white egrets have been seen here too - pretty much on a daily basis so this is probably your best bet for seeing one of these although they are massive and white and therefore stick out like a sore thumb most days when they fly about. The Glossy Ibis has been seen again this week too and again from VP1 (including yesterday) but on at least 3 other occasions too since last Friday's blog. During Monday's guided walk it was seen from VP1 and then flew to VP2 and was seen again - a nice thrill for the guests. It's still been hanging out with the cattle egrets too in the local fields this week. The cattle egrets too have been seen on several occasions in varying numbers. An estimated 24 during Monday's walk flew over VP1 whilst 20 were seen on Tuesday and 8 were seen at around 8.30am on Wednesday morning - so it seems early in the morning may be the best time - this is probably shortly after they have left the roost site on the reserve. You can also add grey heron and little egret to your heron list on most days but it will be around April before we welcome back the little bittern (we hope) and who know's what will happen with the night herons this year? The rarer ducks have again been seen this week. The very rusty looking ferruginous duck was seen in front of the Avalon Hide on Sunday but was back on the other side of the reserve on Monday & Tuesday. It was in the section on the right just before you get to Waltons - either look across from the main path or from the old rail bridge. The ring necked duck has been a little more obliging and has been seen from, or close to, the Tor View Hide every day this week. As you reach Waltons on the main track look up the channel that runs up in front of the hide - you may need a scope. Alternatively you could be lucky enough to see it right in front of the hide. Thansk to Graham Wagner for sending in these pictures he took this week. There's a nice comparison with a Tufted Duck to help you with what to look for: Whilst your at the Tor View Hide, there's plenty more too look out for. Reported from there this week includes: Great crested grebe pair, little grebe pair, green winged teal (seen on Sunday) kingfisher, marsh harrier, sparrowhawk (male), snipe, teal, shoveler, mallard and water rail - This one Graham Wagner saw swimming across one of the channels - thanks for sending it in Graham: Kingfishers seem to be generally quite busy in the Waltons area - try also the 3rd screen area where one if often seen perched up in the reeds. Listen out for its whistling call in flight to help make you aware of its presence. The first platform maybe the best bet for a great white egret or a glossy ibis but there's plenty else to see too. A good range of wildfowl including: pochard, mallard, gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler, wigeon and teal. Look out also for great crested grebes and large flocks of lapwing and snipe. There have also been varying numbers of black tailed godwits reported here this week (and from VP2) with up to 26 on one occasion. Thanks to John Crispin for this snapshot of some of the godwits: Also reported from VP1 this week: Peregrine on Tuesday which seemed very interested in the lapwing, kingfisher, raven, stonechat, marsh harrier, pintail and barn owl - seen in the box again in the wood opposite VP1 in the distance. Always worth scanning this box just in case. John Crispin was rewarded with this hot on Wednesday - thanks John: The other owl box worth scanning is the one in the wood behind the Avalon Hide - once again this week Tawny Owl was reported looking out of the box just like the barn owl above. Whilst at the wood listen out for drumming great spotted woodpecker. They've been heard across the reserve this week but have bred in this wood for at least the last 3 years so hopefully more of the same again this season. The 2nd platform VP2 is also worth a visit offering something slightly different - again lapwing, tight flocks of snipe in flight and black tailed godwits seen but also Canada goose and greylag goose reported. There are some quite big flocks around and are rather noisy beasts - you usually hear them coming. On our Long Drove plot this week (south of Waltons) c180 flock of mixed greylag and Canada geese were using the area - they flew right over me and the volunteers and was quite a sight. 19 pintail flew over VP2 on Wednesday headin south west and John Crispin manged to catch this shot of 11 of the group: VP2 (or the Avalon Hide) is probably the best place to catch up with the marsh harriers during your visit, although they are seen elsewhere. John Crispin has sent in a couple of shots - they show off nicely how the harrier uses its tail for optimum control. Thanks John: Also, whilst at VP2 check out the alder trees nearby. Often the trees in this area are good feeding spots for redpoll and siskin - both seen this week in this area. John Crispin too the lovely shots of one of four siskins feeding on alder cones next to VP2 on Wednesday. Lovely - thanks John: The tree lines are always full of birds (warblers in particular come spring). Look out for goldcrest, treecreeper and bullfinch pairs, gangs of long tailed tits & song thrush all seen this week. A firecrest was also reported close to VP2 on Wednesday. Also this week (as if that wasn't enough): bullfinches showing well in the car park, buzzards seen daily, both male and female sparrowhawk seen in woodlands opposite VP1 yesterday, 5 raven over the car park yesterday, plenty of goldfinches, roe deer seen in surrounding fields oh and 750,000 starlings (hard to ignore that one). They've been moving around a bit but the majority have spent the week over on Shapwick Heath. Yesterday 8 marsh harriers, a peregrine and a merlin were seen close to the flock. I would still suggest parking at the Ham Wall end due to lack of space at the far end of Shapwick and prepare for a slightly longer walk. Also a good idea to check into our welcome building where staff or volunteers will hopefully have more up to date information about where they were the previous night - they could move again. Still plenty of time to vote for us in the Countryfile Awards. If you don't know we have been nominated in the best nature reserve category and we need your votes to win so please do vote and encourage friends and family who love the reserve to vote too. Thank you. You can do it here: bit.ly/2DqOvhN If you could also please sign up your social media accounts to our Thunderclap to we'd be really grateful. It will help us reach more people all at once and generate more support. It's really simple and quick to do and can be done here: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/66978-vote-now-for-rspb-ham-wall That had better be it for this week - have a great weekend! Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 02.02.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/02/02/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-02-02-2018.aspxFri, 02 Feb 2018 15:56:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:cb698f67-ec13-414b-a512-0fd6ec2b2ec0Stephen Couch The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment. Maybe because there is plenty of work to keep staff and volunteers busy. Winter has always traditionally been a busy time as we undertake much of the habitat management work to keep the reserve in tip top shape for wildlife. Some volunteers have continued to strengthen some of the viewing screens around Waltons, while others have been taking on some scrub work over the last couple of weeks to cut back overhanging branches, cut back some of our pollards and open up views down channels. All these little extra vistas and viewpoints make a big difference in bringing wildlife closer to visitors and as always there is plenty for people to see. For those looking for those extra ticks on their bird lists there's a few things we may be able to offer. A trip to either the first platform (VP1) or The Tor View Hide within the Waltons section could bring rewards of ferruginous duck (drake plus a female reported from Shapwick Heath this week too) - seen from VP1 earlier in the week and from Tor View Hide later in the week including this morning. Joining it there this morning was the ring necked duck - it's been seen in this area pretty much every day this week and photographed by John Crispin below. It's worth checking both these areas for these two. Also on Monday a scaup reported from the Tor View Hide although another visitor suggested that it may have been a hybrid of some kind but worth looking out for. Ring necked duck: John Crispin Ring necked duck with tufted ducks: John Crispin Whilst scanning these areas you'll most likely see plenty of other species including mallard, gadwall, wigeon, teal, shoveler and pochard (plus occasional pintail). Look out also for the Glossy Ibis - despite spending much of its time hanging with the cattle egrets locally it does drop in to visit from time to time (often landing here as on Monday and Tuesday). Cattle egrets and the glossy ibis are still roosting on Ham Wall each night so look out for flocks at dusk. They can sometimes be seen during the day with 20 flying over the car park on Saturday. Great crested grebes have been seen here too displaying again but also what looks to be a half-hearted attempt at nest building. A small platform was started but it came to nothing. Some coots decided to sit on the structure for a bit of preening however. A better place to spot the pintails could be the 2nd platform (VP2) with a few sightings this week. John Crispin manged to take this shot yesterday of 2 males and 2 females. Thanks John! Also seen this week was this pochard with a 'nose saddle' - colour pale green with H in front and ko either side. John Crispin reported this to Euring and so Far he's been told it was ringed in France. Details have been apssed onto Alain Caizergues co-ordinator for the ringing project. If he finds anything else out he'll let me know - thank you John! Other slightly rarer birds this week include the Siberian chiffchaff seen and heard in the car park this morning and a firecrest seen along the main track through the reserve. The trees along the track are always worth a look. In spring and summer they are full of warblers but at this time of year look out for redpoll seen a few times this week in the alders and siskins - with 7 seen together yesterday. Also sighted on the main track this week apart from all the usual tits and finches: treecreeper, goldcrest, song thrush, chiffchaff and bullfinch. Look out for bullfinch in and around the car park too. A pair have been reported at least 4 times this week. They were seen close to the toilet block on Tuesday and on Monday and Wednesday in the hedge lines on the other side of the car park and next to the road. The male is a particularly stunning bird isn't it! Great Spotted Woodpeckers are being seen pretty regularly from all corners of the reserve. I've heard plenty of tapping on wood but also full drumming this week. John Crispin caught this one in the act over in Loxtons (seen from the main track) drumming on the shorter dead stem - thanks for the photo John! They can often be seen and heard in the wood close to the Avalon Hide. The path is still pretty muddy but we've managed to get the water off the path so access here is easier at least. After my wonderful sighting of a mother otter and 2 cubs last Friday they were seen again on Sunday morning from the hide - keep an eye open. Whilst you do take regular look back towards the wood to the owl box. Tawny owls are still using it and one sat outside for some time on Monday giving great views. In front of the hide look out for bitterns - a few reports from here again this week and a report of a boom from a male bird. As we pass through February into March and beyond this noise will become far more obvious and widespread throughout the Avalon Marshes. Marsh Harriers are regulars here too although 2 males (one adult and one sub adult) have been seen across the reserve this week. They've bred in front of the hide for the last few years so expect to see the same again - we hope so anyway! Also reported from the Avalon Hide this week: peregrine, sparrowhawk, great white egret, stonechat, golden plover (presumably flying over - I have no more info on this), a range of wildfowl along with groups of lapwing and snipe. For lapwing and snipe perhaps check the temporary blind out to the right just before you enter the wood to go the the Avalon Hide. A good 300 lapwing there during the week - maybe more and several groups of snipe roaming around c50+ in some groups but also some birds on the ground hidden amongst the throngs of teal and shoveler on Monday. Lots of snipe being sen over Waltons too, with these snapped by John Crispin this week: Starlings are moving to and fro between Ham Wall and Shapwick. Weds and Thursday night saw them roosting at Shapwick Heath opposite the tower hide so parking at the Ham Wall car park still the best option. Of course you can phone the hotline which will tell you where the main roost was the night before on 07866 554142 or ask in the Welcome building in the Ham Wall car park where staff and volunteers will do their best to help. Also on the reserve this week: Water rail seen both at the Tor View Hide and the Loxtons screen during the week, buzzard seen daily including the car park, 2 jays seen at the car park on Monday, 30-40 fieldfares flew over the reserve on Saturday, little grebes being very vocal with 3 pairs in Loxtons alone (and a pair of great crested grebe), mistle thrush seen twice at the car park this week, 2 barn owls seen outside the box opposite VP1 on Tuesday, Peregrine and sparrowhawk seen several times throughout the week including today, Ravens seen and heard on almost a daily basis at the moment and plenty of kingfisher activity particularly around Waltons and Loxtons. If you follow us or other RSPB pages on Facebook and want to see our stories pop up in your feed you'll find that Facebook have made some changes to your Newsfeed. That means to continue to see our blog, events news and all our fun and informative material, we are highlighting that you will need to change your Newsfeed Preferences to include our page. We do hope you will make this easy change, as we love hearing from you and seeing what you’ve been up to during your week when giving nature a home. Here is our step-by-step guide: 1. Click on the Facebook app on your phone. 2. Select the options button (bottom right hand corner, triple bar). 3. Scroll down to 'Settings' and click on 'News Feed Preferences'. 4. Click on the 'Prioritise who to see first' tab. 5. You should see a list of all your friends, pages you like and businesses. Find 'RSPB Ham Wall' and tap our icon. 6. A star with a blue background will appear in the top right hand corner of that profile. 7. Click 'Done' at the top to save this preference selection and 'Done' again to return to your options menu. All done! Obviously if you follow other pages click on their icons too. Also please, if you haven't done so already vote for Ham Wall in the Countryfile Awards 2018 for Nature Reserve of the Year. You can do it by following the link here: bit.ly/2DqOvhN Please also sign up for our Thunderclap on Facebook and Twitter. It means a big post will go out to all contacts at the same time and have a bigger impact in peoples news feeds etc. It's very simple and you can do that here. https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/66978-vote-now-for-rspb-ham-wall Please encourage all your friends and family to vote for us too. Thank you. Think that's about it for this week. Thanks as always to John Crispin for his excellent photos. Have a great weekend everybody! File: Bittern at Avalonhttps://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/m/hamwall-mediagallery/782040.aspxMon, 29 Jan 2018 21:43:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:4466c9be-5a1a-4a45-98e2-39468de657bbStephen GFrom Avalon hide File: Starlings looking for roosthttps://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/m/hamwall-mediagallery/782039.aspxMon, 29 Jan 2018 21:11:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:69bbb1d0-0f7b-41c7-8fae-ea8a54cad817Stephen GFrom Avalon Hide Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 26.01.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/01/26/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-26-01-2018.aspxFri, 26 Jan 2018 15:00:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:bc62193c-8ee1-44b7-907a-a80a25778248Stephen Couch Another stunning week at Ham Wall with many more fabulous sightings to tell you about. Actually I'm on a bit of a high having seen a mother otter with 2 cubs this morning whist walking the reserve. I got spotted though and they sneaked off to the side. When I got there, there was no sign of them at all - no idea where they went but it proves the mother is doing a great job keeping them safe. I wasn't far from the Avalon Hide so worth keeping an eye out. We've had a lot of rain over the last couple of weeks and the path to the Avalon Hide is pretty flooded but it is passable (to the side of the path on some stretches) - good shoes or wellies a recommendation, although now that the outer drains are dropping we are able to pump out once more so the levels here should only go down from now on and improve things. Its a good place to see marsh harriers however including a well marked male, a female and this sub adult male. Thanks to John Crispin for the photos of him. They show both the plumage on the underwing and the top of the wing and the prominent grey tail: Of course the rain maybe great for ducks but makes things harder for birds such as barn owls. On Monday John Crispin saw, and photographed, one perched on the box at the wood opposite the 1st viewing platform (VP1) at 9.30am. The heavy rain for the 24 hours previously would have precluded the owl from hunting but it eventually retired to bed at around 10.10am. Duck numbers are still good across the site but may have dropped off slightly. It's likely that the rain has flooded more areas up in the local area and opened up other feeding opportunities meaning birds are spread out more. VP1 has been a good place to go duck counting as well as the section to the right (East). Teal are plentinful with several hundred using these areas - the calls with give you an idea of how many there are. Lapwing too c200 are using both sections. From the platform add: mallard, gadwall, shoveler, wigeon and tufted duck to your list but also look out for ferruginous duck which has been seen a few times this week including this morning - photographic evidence of this and a selection of other ducks supplied by John Crispin - thanks John! ferruginous duck Male pochard with 2 females Tufted duck in flight Mating gadwall Great crested grebes have been seen out here too along with great white egrets, occasional little egrets and little grebes wich are becoming very vocal at the moment. In fact bird song is increasing all round - particularly if you get a sunny day (we have had a few). The main track is a good place to listen and look out for a wide selection of birds. Song Thrushes were very noticeable early in the week with at least 3 calling close to the car park, wrens, blackbird, robin, great tit all beginning to make there presence known. Also look out for bullfinch, treecreeper, goldcrest and hoards of long tailed tits all recorded along here during the week. A dunnock was calling and singing continuously opposite VP1 on Monday. John Crispin captured this shot of one flying between song posts: Other birds use other signals to form territories such as great spotted woodpecker. A couple have been heard this week drumming loudly on wood - the sound really cuts through and travels quite a way. I heard drumming from the Central Wood today (on the way to the Avalon Hide) and then saw a pair perched up in the open on the top of a tall birch tree. They have nested in this wood for the last few years - more of the same please. One major territory call came this week. Our 1st booming bittern on Monday - could well be the first in the country. It came from a section we own to the south of Waltons during the WeBS count (Wetland Bird Survey). Keep your ears open too for booms and the slightly weaker grunts of male birds as they get themselves warmed up! Several flights of bittern seen this week - several reports from the Avalon Hide including 2 this morning and a further 2 yesterday from Loxtons and the section just behind. The Loxtons bird superbly photographed by John Crispin - thanks again John! So what of the other Heron species? Grey Herons of course are seen daily - they could well start to nest within a month or so - look out for birds dropping into Waltons with nesting material - they have nested within these reedbeds for the last few years. Cattle Egrets are still roosting on site and are occasional seen flying over the reserve. Other than that its the fields in the surrounding area that need to be scanned. The Glossy Ibis usually hangs with them but has been seen out from VP1 this week on its own, while great white egrets are now a pretty common site. Try either platforms or scan within Waltons or look from the Avalon Hide - most visits end up with a sighting these days. Also within Waltons the Tor View Hide is definitely worth a visit. A ring necked duck has been reported there for much of the week and explains the absence of the one that was seen at Shapwick early last week. Water rails have also been seen here a few times or on the path leading to the hide. Kingfishers too are regulars from here or the Waltons screens. Great crested grebes are nearby too and have been displaying again this week - a lovely sight. Bearded tits were seen on Monday and reported to me by a visitor whist a Cettis warbler also calls from close by. Sparrowhawk and kestrel also seen from this location. The starlings have been giving people the run around a bit having been roosting off Ham Wall & Shapwick Heath during the week but it seems they may have drifted back to Ham Wall. Some came out of the very first bit of reedbed on the left this morning and could be viewed from the bridge but others were further down. Best viewed from the Avalon Hide area or VP2 for an easier (less muddy walk) but slightly more distant view. Of course they could move again but that's the latest. Drop into the welcome building in the car park or phone the starling hotline for the latest 07866 554142 Also this week: Some small groups of fieldfare overhead during the week, coal tit seen at the car park, buzzards daily, ravens often prominent including one from the car park this morning (see the photo below of a bird over Loxtons this week - note the tail shape - a great aid to ID) several stonechats still being spotted - often in pairs, several Canada Geese and a few Greylag geese and the Egyptian goose which has been seen several times this week from VP1. It was also seen by John Crispin feeding with greylag geese in fields close to the reserve: Raven: John Crispin Egyptian goose: John Crispin Also please don't forget: We have been nominated it the Countryfile magazine Awards as Nature Reserve of the Year. We need your votes to win though so please vote for us here: bit.ly/2DqOvhN You may also wish to add your voice to our Thunderclap. This helps us reach as many people as possible all at once and makes our cause even more prominent on social media. You can do it here and it takes very little time: http://thndr.me/GJ1Ych Thank you to everyone who has voted. Can you please encourage your friends and family to do the same and make Ham Wall No.1 Have a great weekend everyone! Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 19.01.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/01/19/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-19-01-2018.aspxFri, 19 Jan 2018 14:51:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:6ca52a43-5256-4e13-a0ac-94639bc2d304Stephen Couch Another week has simply flown by - spring will be here before you know it. Many birds are already pairing off or beginning to show off those beautiful breeding colours. As reported last week, great crested grebes are displaying with plenty of head bobbing and some weed dances being witnessed. There's a pair visible from the Waltons screens (which are now all back open after undergoing repairs - thanks to volunteers Garry, Pete & Reg for getting it all turned round so quickly). Another pair of grebes can be seen over in Loxtons. Many birds are becoming more vocal too - perhaps thinking about where they may wish to set up a territory this year. Songs from wren, blackbird, robin & great tit have all been heard in the tree lines while out in the reedbeds and open water little grebes are making themselves heard along with cettis warbler and water rail. In fact I saw one this morning as it ran across the Tor View Hide path in front of me. I was just second guessing myself ....was it? wasn't it? when I heard a very loud call from the side of the path (it sounds rather like a squealing pig if you don't know - which confirmed what I thought - it was indeed a water rail). One was also seen earlier in the week from the 3rd screen that looks out over the cut island. A few duck loaf here along with the odd lapwing but look out for snipe too. Some of the grebes and duck are really beginning to show some nice colours but check out also birds such as cormorants. Some are now showing the white flecked head and white patch on its leg feathers which indicate a bird in breeding plumage. John Crispin has sent in a photo taken this week showing this - thanks John: There are a lot of duck still on site - particularly in front of the 1st platform (VP1). Several hundred out there over the last couple of days including: shoveler, wigeon, teal, tufted duck, mallard & gadwall. There are also several pochard on site - a good number for us anyway with 22 being seen either in front of VP1 or just over in Waltons. Also this morning from VP1 a great white egret showing was well and making the odd flight across as it searched for food, a grey heron sat feeding on the ditch edge nearby, a dunnock calling constantly from the bramble patch opposite and some noisy black headed gulls. During the week both buzzard and marsh harrier have been seen daily while a kestrel was spotted on monday morning (and on Thursday). The glossy ibis has also dropped in here a couple of times this week so worth scanning the whole area if you're there. Generally though it's still thought to be hanging out with the cattle egrets which have been feeding in local fields on most days but are still roosting on the reserve each night. Both platforms could be good places to spot snipe - these two were disturbed by a grey heron during the week and captured on camera by John Crispin - thanks for sending these in John. The 2nd platform (VP2) is slightly less busy but probably one of the best places to see marsh harriers (along with the Avalon Hide). This morning both Canada geese and greylag geese were present along with a selection of duck (including pintail which have been seen here sporadically over the last few weeks - seen on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday this week). The glossy ibis was seen here on Wednesday and there's always a good chance of great white egret and occasionally little egret (which are actually seen less than their larger cousins). Lapwings often play in here too but there are many now using the recently flooded area between the 2 platforms along with good numbers of teal and shoveler in particular. We have now put in some temporary viewing blinds for people to get a bit closer. Please feel free to pop along and use them but we ask you not to pass beyond the no entry barrier as we would like to keep disturbance to a minimum. These will only be open for a short time (until breeding season begins) and will then close until breeding season is over. To get to them head towards the Avalon Hide but before you enter the wood turn left through the gate - you'll see the willow blinds up ahead of you. A barn owl was reported from these screens yesterday which is great. Then it's onwards to the Avalon Hide, which currently seems to accumulate the most Marsh Harrier and BIttern sightings. 3 of each reported there this morning by Graham Wagner who also sent in this shot of an Egyptian goose seen there on Sunday - thanks Graham: 3 marsh harriers seems to be a common theme for this week with this number reported several times. On one occasion there was a mature female, mature male and immature male - although a subtle colour change on the wings it had a well coloured grey tail - thanks to John Crispin for this insight. Also from the Avalon Hide this week was a hen harrier (ringtail) seen on both Sunday and yesterday, a ring necked duck also seen yesterday but other reports of this bird from Shapwick more frequently, c30 snipe seen in flight, pintail, shoveler, pochard, kingfishers on several occasions and even the glossy ibis gave us a fly over. A walk along the footpath by the main drain or along the old rail path (main track) can also be very rewarding. A host of species use this area frequently. Many common species such as blue tit, great tit, long tailed tit, goldfinch, chaffinch, blackbird & robin can help your bird list grow and with a bit more study and a bit of luck you can add several other species too. Bullfinch seen on several occasions this week ( I had a lovely male on Monday between the car park and VP1) treecreepers too (learn the call to help you know they are present) - there were at least 2 between VP1 & VP2 this morning, chiffchaff has also been seen along with goldcrest, song thrush and great spotted woodpecker. Look out also for both lesser redpoll and siskin. Check out any large alders in which they like too feed - they are often seen down by Loxtons but this week some were seen on Sunday on the footpath side. John Crispin has sent in these shots. Thanks again John: Lesser redpoll: John Crispin Siskin: John Crispin Also this week: reports of a large otter on our Long Drove plot on Wednesday, 4 ravens flying over reported on both Wednesday & Thursday, coal tit, collared dove, hose sparrow, pied wagtail and great spotted woodpecker all reported from the car park, a few roe deer seen around the edges of the reserve throughout the week, 2 cranes reported flying over on Wednesday, cettis warblers calling loudly on the reserve and several stonechats reported from different locations. This female photographed by John Crispin this week. Thank you John: That's almost it for this week but there's one more piece of vital and very exciting news to give you. But Ham Wall needs your help: “We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018 as Nature Reserve of the Year – thank you to everyone who nominated us. We would really like Your Help and Your Vote to help us win. Now in their seventh year, the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018 are a celebration of the British countryside and its people, from mighty landmarks and outstanding national parks to the best nature reserves and finest rural pubs. This year they invited their readers to send in suggestions before the expert panel then gathered to review all of the submissions, and whittle the nominees down to five in each category. We are up against four other finalists in the Nature Reserve of the Year category and we need your vote to win the wooden plaque and accolade of being Nature Reserve of the Year 2018. Please vote here: http://bit.ly/2DqOvhN Please note you can only vote once so tell as many of your friends, family, colleagues, etc. to vote for us also to help us win.” Many thanks in advance - we really appreciate your support. Have a great weekend everybody! Blog Post: Recent sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 12.01.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/01/12/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-12-01-2018.aspxFri, 12 Jan 2018 15:20:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:a603d746-4767-4dc0-8f82-01b3f23eded8Stephen Couch he most notable change over the last week or two on Ham Wall and indeed Shapwick Heath has been the large increase in duck numbers. It will be interesting to see what numbers the WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) brings this weekend. If you stand at the 1st viewing platform (VP1) you'll see what I mean. Plenty of wigeon, teal, shoveler, gadwall, mallard and tufted duck on show - it's a great sight and some great sounds too to add to the experience. Great white egrets showing really well here this morning. You'll see more if you look behind you into Waltons too where 3 Pochard were also present - don't get huge numbers at this time of year. Just to the right of VP1 in the newly cut and flooded area, hundreds of teal and shoveler in particular are present. They flew up en masse this morning - disturbed by something (marsh harrier perhaps) and gave some visitors a thrill, with good numbers of the teal flying in tight flocks and calling before dropping down once more. Also in front of VP1 this morning a great crested grebe. There was one in Waltons on Wednesday & Thursday too - beginning to look resplendent with it's fine plumage. It's the pair in Loxtons which make the headlines though as they have been seen undertaking pair bonding activities such as head shaking, vocalisations, short low paddling flights, displaying with wings pushed forward and of course the best known of all the weed dance. Thanks to John Crispin who's managed to capture these shots of the birds: The weed dancing is fantastic but there's far more to their elaborate displays than that - they are both fantastic and fascinating to watch. Perhaps some of this activity has been triggered by some gorgeous sunny days - Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday were all glorious and although it's still only January there's a hint of spring. This may all change next week with high winds and rain of course but that's Britain for you. Many other birds are becoming more active too. Some beginning to sing such as great tit and Wwren and many calling such as an increase in noise from little grebes and we await the first booming (or at least grunting) bittern - we often get one in January. Great white egrets seemed to be showing an interest in one another yesterday and then there's these marsh harriers. It could just be young birds playing around of course - thanks to Graham Wagner for the photos: Several marsh harriers are being seen from the Avalon Hide. I've certainly seen 4 but there was one report of 6 together this week. Great white egrets are also seen on occasions including this one looking rather indignant at the arrival of a marsh harrier on the ground. Other birds from the Avalon HIde include: tufted duck, gadwall, teal and shoveler and also this morning a green woodpecker (heard but not seen). There have also been recent reports of bearded tits both on the way to and in front of the hide, bittern flights and stonechats in front too. Stonechats were also reported directly in front of VP1 this morning on the brambles opposite - there was also a coal tit and several long tailed tits. This one in flight taken by Graham Wagner this week: These can also be seen along the main track of course with a host of other birds including: Chiffchaff, goldcrest, goldfinch, chaffinch, treecreeper, song thrush redpoll, siskin and bullfinch. I saw a lovely looking male bullfinch this morning on the grassy footpath side not long after you turn right from the small footbridge over the drain that takes you out towards the Avalon Hide. Looked to be eating buds off the willow trees. Waltons and the Tor View Hide are worth a visit too. Kingfishers were very active while we worked around the perimeter cutting back scrub this week. Lots of flights up and down the channels. Thanks again to Graham Wagner for this shot of a kingfisher in flight: Water rails are calling occasionally too but also showing well on occasions from the hide. Thanks to John Crispin for taking this shot this week. He had the rail, a female bearded tit and a goldcrest all feeding close together at the bottom of the reeds near the hide: Also this week: Cattle Egrets still roosting on site but generally feeding out in fields in surrounding area during the day. Glossy Ibis usually with then but occasionally can be seen on the reserve - last Friday it was on site but to late for the blog. Worth keeping your eyes open for it. Lapwing also seen most days, 2 pintail reported today from VP2 where Canada geese were also present and making plenty of noise. Water pipits were noted in the newly flooded area on the way to the Avalon Hide, ravens have been seen flying over, buzzards are seen daily as are great spotted woodpeckers: VP2 is the place to see the starlings at the moment we think. The largest roost has been here but is quite distant. A smaller roost has begun to form in Waltons - much smaller numbers but a closer view so you could try either. Of course they can move around from night to night so best to pop in the welcome building in the Ham Wall car park to check or phone the hotline for the last known location: 07866 554142 Finally, John Crispin has sent me a couple of shots of 2 local cranes doing a bit of 'dueting' - the female: Christmas Shoes and the male Shadow are the two pictured here. If you'd like more info on the local cranes why not visit the website: http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk That's it for this week. Have a great weekend! File: Bittern from the Tor View hidehttps://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/m/hamwall-mediagallery/781990.aspxWed, 10 Jan 2018 08:50:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:d62adf4b-5e04-4dc1-9a87-9b8af2a8a4faRoddersBlog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 06.01.2018https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2018/01/05/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-06-01-2018.aspxFri, 05 Jan 2018 15:34:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:3c91d16c-f15a-477b-a766-4cce4e6e7cebStephen Couch Welcome to the first reserve blog of 2018. Happy New Year to you all - I hope you had a restful Christmas break. Wildlife of course carries on as normal and as always there's plenty to report. The majority of starlings switched to Shapwick over the Christmas break but this was only short lived and most of them appear to back back on Ham Wall again - distant from the 2nd platform as before. This can change again though so perhaps pop into the welcome building in our car park where staff and volunteers will do their best to help you. Estimates of numbers vary depending on who you ask but with numbers this high who really knows. Well in excess of 500,000 birds is a good starting point. The weather's not been great so visitor numbers are slightly down on those more inclement days but the starlings still come so if you're brave enough - give it a go anyway - just wrap up warm. You could try the mornings to watch them take off too - a guaranteed show if you know where they landed the night before and watching the sun come up can bring some spectacular views too. Richard Berry sent in these sunrise pictures this week - thanks Richard. The Christmas break saw good numbers of wildfowl from the 1st platform (VP1) and this morning was no exception either. Great to listen to the sounds of wigeon and teal along with varying numbers of lapwing all adding to the mix. Also on view, plenty of shoveler (pictured), tufted duck, mallard and gadwall and there have been 1 or 2 pochard also. On Christmas Eve a golden plover was spotted amongst the lapwing before flying up, calling briefly and heading south. I remember seeing a large flock of golden plovers flying over the reserve some years ago but can't remember one touching down - so perhaps a first for the reserve in that sense. Thanks to John Crispin and site manager Steve Hughes for that sighting. Pintail have put in an appearance too with 5 (3 male, 2 female) on Dec 23rd and 3 (2 male, 1 female) on the 30th Dec and the 1st Jan so look out for these too (see photos below). The area to the right of this section (and then on your left as you walk to the Avalon Hide) has taken in more water and has been packed at times with Teal and Lapwing in particular. Probably 200 of each at least. Sometimes, when disturbed, they will fly up in big groups and are visible form VP1. Pintail from 2nd platform: John Crispin Pintail in flight from 1st platform: John Crispin Great white egrets are still being seen daily but perhaps not in the numbers as the last couple of months. They have spread out into the wider landscape and other wetland areas. One was certainly present in Waltons yesterday standing in plain sight and another was sat in front of the Avalon Hide yesterday - the marsh harriers were particularly visible here too with several being seen - at least 4. A well marked male is among these - perhaps loitering in this area as it is close to the current starling roost sight. This is probably the best area to see them although other birds have been seen hunting over both Waltons and Loxtons this week. Bitterns are still being seen but are proving more elusive - the time of year and weather are not helping with this. This will soon change and January is the month where we usually hear our first boom (more of a weak grunt really at this time of year - but it's a start). There have been a few sightings though. A long flight of a calling bird over Loxtons was seen by John Crispin on the 30th Dec while on my Christmas visit to the reserve 2 were reported in front of the Avalon Hide sat in the reeds. An otter was also reported in the morning on the same day from the same location. I sadly had to pick up a dead otter (a large male) from the side of the road near the River Brue yesterday - hit by a car I suspect. I took it to Secret World who will kindly freeze the body before it is sent to Cardiff University for an autopsy. Any data is useful - eg, where it was found, what killed it, how healthy was it prior to this, what was its diet etc. Sad news though. Cattle egrets are still being reported locally. Mostly from local fields around Meare, Westhay, Burtle etc. They are roosting each night on the reserve so you may see them in flight early or late in the day. As far as I'm told the glossy ibis is often among them but has been seen on the reserve too. It was present from VP1 for some time on my Dec 28th visit. Thanks to John Crispin as always for his great pictures: Also over the last couple of weeks several snipe have been seen - up to 16 from VP1 and around 5 from VP2. I spotted some from the 3rd Waltons screen on the 28th. Unfortunately we have had to close this screen temporarily to repair its base which is showing signs of rot. We've got some very capable volunteers coming in to repair it and redo the whole base over the next couple of weeks or so. The good news is you can view this island directly from the main track too. The great crested grebes which usually disappear towards the end of the year are beginning to return. One seen in Loxtons on the 30th Dec and another within Waltons. On the 3rd a great crested grebe was seen from VP1 and I've heard a rumour of a pair showing signs of a courtship ritual - or at least reinforcing pair bonds. Look out for this great spectacle in a few weeks when the courtship display becomes far more elaborate. The great crested grebe in Loxtons: John Crispin Also seen recently: Bearded tits seen on occasions - including a pair right next to the Tor View Hide on the 28th, water rail also seen from the Tor View Hide (stay quiet and check around the base), kingfishers seen around Waltons and Loxtons, bullfinch (pictured), chiffchaff and treecreeper all seen along the main path, ravens seen frequently including over the car park, firecrest still present around the car park last week - no reports this week yet I don't think but it has been quiet - that's not to say it isn't there, buzzards seen daily, green woodpecker heard today, great spotted woodpecker on the feeder cam yesterday at the car park, sparrowhawks - particularly around starling time, 4 Roe deer seen on the strip east of the car park by the main drain (from the rail bridge) today and plenty of calling little grebes around Loxtons yesterday. Well, that's a bit of a flavour of what's been going on over the last couple of weeks. With the first full week back next week - things should get back into more of a routine. Thanks to John and Richard for the photos this week - always welcome (without them it's just me rabbiting on!) Why not pay us a new year's visit. There's lots to see. Have a great weekend! Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 21.12.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/12/21/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-21-12-2017.aspxThu, 21 Dec 2017 12:29:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:3f4fc344-28cc-4373-84ee-e8c40d050202Stephen Couch Firstly, an apology for the absence of the blog last week. I just couldn't find the time I'm afraid - it happens sometimes. Anyway, with it being the last full day of work before the Christmas and New Year break I thought I ought to at least do a quick update on what's been about lately. I guess the starlings are a good place to start. Recently the main roost site seems to have moved to Shapwick Heath - in fact as the week has progressed it seems that most birds are using this site. From what I'm told they have been using the area known as The Roughet. This is towards the Shapwick Road end. However, there is limited parking at the Avalon Marshes Centre so it could be advisable to park at the Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath car parks on Ashcott Road and walk through - this could take 20-30mins so give yourself time. Huge numbers of starlings even fly over the Ham Wall car park most nights at the moment too so if you don't fancy a walk you could try this - at least you'd get some idea of the numbers - it's quite impressive. There are plenty of other stars on show most days. There have been a few bittern sightings from the 1st platform (VP1) and across Waltons. One was calling in flight on Monday as it flew past the Tor View Hide. Great white egrets are being seen daily - again VP1 is a good place to start. One was present yesterday while last Tuesday 3 flew together across Waltons and a fourth later dropped in front of VP1 and began preening. Staying on the egret theme - the cattle egrets (33 of them) have been seen feeding in local fields. Recently they have been seen in fields right next to the Ashcott Road along with the glossy ibis. John Crispin tracked them down and sent in these photos - thanks John: Spot the glossy ibis in amongst the cattle egrets (slightly easier below than above) Other stars of the reserve - the marsh harriers are also being seen daily. The 2nd platform (VP2) or the Avalon Hide seem to be good places to look for them - you can often see 2 or 3 together and the odd buzzard flying around to confuse things too. On the way to the Avalon Hide, check out the flooded areas on your left. One section yesterday had over 500 Teal which took to the air when we passed by. Look out also for smaller birds popping about. Meadow pipits have been seen here but so too have water pipits. In the reedbed stretch just before the hide I heard bearded tits yesterday although unfortunately I didn't see them. There have also been recent reports of them from VP2 and Waltons including the Tor View Hide - great to see them doing so well - they can often be illusive. Another illusive bird can be the water rail - best suggestion is to go to the Tor View Hide and sit quietly. One has been seen wandering down around the foot of the hide (on both sides) - so worth a shot. Teal on ice from last week. As well as the good numbers of teal about - there is plenty of other wildfowl. Go to either platform or perhaps the Tor View Hide for views of mallard, gadwall (pictured), tufted duck, wigeon and shoveler. There's also a chance of a pintail dropping in from time to time - VP2 probably the best bet here. Thanks again to John Crispin for the photos: Gadwall showing it's intricately patterned plumage Shoveler preening its coat of many colours. A walk from the car park to VP1 can bring its own rewards. Firecrests have again been seen at the car park within the last few days along with good numbers of goldfinches and a very friendly robin. Song thrush has been seen too but also along the main path where one was seen (and photographed) smashing up a snail using the stones on the path as anvils. Thanks to John Crispin for the photo sequence: Also look out along the main track for treecreepers, bullfinches, goldcrests, chiffchaffs and gangs of long tailed tits as well as other tits and finches. Check out any mixed flocks too you never know what could be hiding amongst them. Also seen recently - several sparrowhawk sightings, ravens seen frequently (2 often from VP1), great spotted woodpeckers, small groups of redpoll and a few siskin, occasional sightings of fieldfare/redwing, groups of lapwing seen from both platform along with a few snipe (pictured - photo by John Crispin). A bit of a quick overview but I hope it gives you a flavour of what's possible here at Ham Wall. Why not come down and visit us over the Christmas break - even if it's just to walk off the Christmas turkey! The welcome building opening hours are below- remember the reserve itself, the car park and toilets are open as normal. Thanks for reading - I hope you've enjoyed the blogs this year. Merry Christmas to you all from the Ham Wall team - the blog will return in the new year. Blog Post: Reserve team update at RSPB Ham Wall - 19.12.17https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/12/19/reserve-team-update-at-rspb-ham-wall-19-12-17.aspxTue, 19 Dec 2017 13:39:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:aa084407-52c5-4ce0-8e9d-c8ad24eeced6Ali Blaney Here we are in the final week before Christmas - where has the year gone! Before some of us sign off for the festive period, here's a quick update about our work since the last blog. Habitat management We’ve been doing a bit more reed cutting with the Softrak in a couple of locations, including our next area of reedbed rejuvenation. This is out to your left if you’re looking from the first viewing platform. In the new year we’ll swap the forage harvester attachment for the cutter/binder and start producing reed bundles for various purposes. The latest area of rejuvenation, Phase 2 High, has flooded up nicely and is attracting wildfowl, grey heron and both meadow and water pipits. You may remember in my last blog I mentioned a new temporary viewing screen that we were going to put up in this area. There has been a slight delay on this unfortunately but we plan to get it up in very early January. You can still get good views from the canal bank on the way to the Avalon Hide, particularly from the bench looking across from the bank. In early December we had contractors ClearWater in using Truxor machines to cut reed. These are amphibious machines that can drive across hard ground to the waters’ edge, head straight into water and then power across to the reed we can’t reach with brushcutters or our Softrak machine. During the week they made it into a number of different compartments on the reserve and opened up views for visitors from various hides, screens and benches. They also worked on opening up channels that were becoming thick with reed, and created a few pools and scallops here and there. The work in front of Avalon Hide is particularly good, as Steve C mentioned in his last sightings blog, so do take time to visit the hide and see what you can spot in the newly cleared areas. Photos by Ali Blaney - Truxors in Loxtons South There is a bit more to finish off in the new year and we’ll update you on potential disturbance on the dates when they are due in. Broomfields sluice We had a contractor in recently who helped us replace a leaky sluice on the north of the reserve, where compartment Broomfields (up near the woodchip factory) connects up with Ham Wall Rhyne, the ditch that winds around parts of the reserve and eventually takes water out into the canal. The sluice has been replaced with a simpler pipe structure that we can turn to allow water out or to retain it. This gives us much better control over the water level in this compartment which is great news for the wildlife and for our habitat management work. Photos by Ali Blaney - Left photo shows pipe with rotational end in the compartment ditch, right photo shows other end of pipe with water flowing into Ham Wall Rhyne And finally… It wouldn’t be Christmas without a BBQ or two! Last week we celebrated Christmas with our mid-week volunteer groups (our weekend gang already having had theirs on 03 December!) In the mornings we had the usual practical work going on, clearing and burning scrub on an island in Looks Rank (the compartment to the East of Avalon Hide). However the weather was not really on our side. On Wednesday the rain held off until we were just about to eat and the downpour that arrived led to rather soggy burger buns, instantly cold food and a pretty cold and wet team. But we carried on in typical hardy fashion and finished our BBQ (quickly!) On Thursday we managed to alter our plans at short notice and after a morning of more scrub work in the same location we decamped back to the Avalon Marshes centre and joined Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers in the Saxon longhall. This meant a roof over our heads and an incredibly hot open fire pit in the centre to cook our food in the dry. Our volunteers work incredibly hard throughout the year and we couldn’t keep Ham Wall going as it is without them, so it’s always a pleasure celebrating our achievements together as a team and thanking them for all their hard work. It was also nice to celebrate with our partner organisations too. We all work incredibly hard together across the Avalon Marshes to keep this special place in as good a condition as we can for the wildlife and for the people who come to enjoy it. Some of our volunteers will also be giving up their time over Christmas and New Year to keep the welcome building open too, so huge thanks in advance to them! Photo by Julie Merrett, Natural England - festive feasting in the (warm and dry) Saxon longhall I’ll end on that festive note and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – don’t forget to enjoy the reserve, the starlings and other wildlife over the festive period, when the cabin fever sets in and you’ve eaten one to many mince pies! Opening hours for the Welcome Building below, remember the reserve itself is open throughout. Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 08.12.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/12/08/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-08-12-2017.aspxFri, 08 Dec 2017 13:50:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:3dcf9e1c-9a50-4595-9bd8-6ac3e804293eStephen Couch Lots of activity on the reserve this week - busy with wildlife but also with habitat management activities. If you have visited you may have noticed a couple of strange looking machines working away in the reedbeds and open areas. Apologies, that much of this activity has been in public areas and in front of the platforms and hides. They help us with our vital management work to keep the site in tip top condition for wildlife but also they are helping to create interesting and open areas for feeding birds. It gives visitors more to look at and brings a wider range of wildlife closer to the viewing areas and hopefully inspires people to support us or just share their experience with others. The machines are called Truxors and are handy for clearing channels or really wet areas where our usual reed cutting machine (the Softrak) can't get to. This machine has also been out and about this week and has been clearing an area of thick reedbed as part of our cutting regime to create a nice age structure of reedbed throughout the site, which increases diversity. If you look within Waltons, Loxtons, from both platforms and in front of the Avalon Hide you can see what they've been up to. The 1st platform (VP1) has been a good spot again this week. The, now more elusive, glossy ibis has been spotted in front of both platforms on a couple of occasions this week. It's been hanging around with the cattle egrets in the local area during the day and been trying to make friends with other heron types too by the looks of things! Thanks to John Crispin for the selection of photos: glossy ibis & cattle egrets glossy ibis & little egret glossy ibis & grey heron glossy ibis in flight cattle egrets feeding As well as being seen in flight over the reserve on some mornings a cattle egret was also spotted in front of VP1 on Tuesday morning. Little and great white egrets have also been spotted here quite frequently this week (once the Truxors had moved on). A good selection of ducks throughout the week too including mallard, gadwall, tufted duck, wigeon, teal and shoveler as well as a pintail which was spotted in flight over the main track on Thursday. Little grebe, bittern, marsh harrier and bearded tits all seen from this viewpoint to during the week. In terms of waders there's been good numbers but just a few species. Lapwing seen daily with at least 150 recorded on one occasion, snipe recorded daily with at least 10 at this location and around 20 black tailed godwits photographed by John Crispin on Sunday but other smaller groups seen throughout the week. Thanks for the pictures John. black tailed godwits feeding black tailed godwits with a great white egret on sentry Of course, any visit starts in the car park. Some interesting stuff been spotted there too this week. On Monday 3 whooper swans were seen in flight - most likely the same 3 spotted over at Noah's lake on Shapwick Heath this week. A Siberian chiffchaff was also recorded in the car park on Sunday and another over near Waltons during the week. The one most people are trying to spot has been the firecrest. The boardwalk area leading to the reserve from the car park hosted 2 early in the week but check the tree and hedge lines all around the car park - they've been seen here recently too as well as along the main track to the reserve. There are goldcrests around too so familiarise yourself with the differences. The most obvious being the white around the eye and black eye stripe. John Crispin has photographed both this week and sent them in - hope this helps. Thanks once again to John. Goldcrest Firecrest Others on the car park list this week include: treecreeper - most likely close to the boardwalk to the reserve from the car park, 3 great spotted woodpeckers on Thursday, buzzards, coal tits, song thrush and a sparrowhawk on Tuesday as well as the usual suspects such as blackbirds, robins and various tits and finches throughout the week. Onto the main track and there's plenty more you can add to your list. Bullfinch are seen on occasions whilst gangs of long tailed tits are regulars. Redpoll & siskin are seen in varying numbers - usually towards Loxtons where the larger alders grow. As many as 3 jays have also been seen whist chiffchaffs are seen frequently - one by the 2nd platform (VP2) on Sunday. Perhaps the best main track sighting this week was that of an otter with a youngster under the old rail bridge just a short walk down from the car park (on Tuesday). Lots of other interest at VP2 this week - bearded tits seen and heard a couple of times, glossy ibis at least twice, 2 raven flying over on Tuesday and Thursday, a really good long bittern flight on Tuesday, groups of greylag geese still roosting here - around 50 of them, up to 3 marsh harriers, 25 snipe and 100,000 Starlings make this a good place to go. This has been the place to go for the main starling roost but there have been smaller roosts in Loxtons and Waltons this week and another possible small roost over on Shapwick Heath. We recommend being on site by at least 3.30 to catch the show - varying light levels can mean they come in at slightly different times each day but if you're early enough you'll always have a good chance. Birds of prey often hang around for an easy meal - sparrowhawks a prime example (there's been one hanging around on the north of the reserve during the week) but you may also see peregrine. One visitor reported seeing a barn owl near Waltons on the way back to the car park too on Monday. There not the only things to have a munch on starlings. A carrion crow was spotted feasting on one this morning in trees close to VP2. A great white egret was sat on the footpath opposite VP2 as well but was chased across the area by a grey heron which had been spooked from the side. Shame nobody but Ali the warden was there to see it at such close quarters. In front of the Avalon Hide is looking really good thanks to the Truxors work. When they stopped for lunch today a bittern settled in one of the cut areas to the delight of some photographers. They will be finished in here today so why not go and take a look. On the way look out for water pipits in the newly flooded areas and listen out for bearded tits as you leave the wood and head to the hide - they were both there at around lunchtime today. Also this week: 8 roe deer seen together in fields just to the north of the reserve, kestrel seen again close to the Avalon Hide, meadow pipits seen from the Avalon Hide, male stonechat seen from VP2, water rail spotted again from the Tor View Hide (still pretty vocal on the reserve, as are cettis warblers, kingfisher seen from VP1, with Waltons and Loxtons this week and the rats which keep making TV appearances on the live camera feeder in the welcome building at the car park. Thanks to Abbie Thorne for the picture. Just to let you know with the Christmas period coming up there will be some closures and adjusted hours in the welcome building, which are listed below: That's it for this week. Wrap up warm if you're coming to visit. As you can see - there's lots to look out for. Have a great weekend. Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 01.12.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/12/01/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-01-12-2017.aspxFri, 01 Dec 2017 16:25:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:16d629a0-befc-4139-a2b7-051be561fb9bStephen Couch Not got a lot of time today so it may be a quicker blog than usual I'm afraid. Still plenty to talk about however so lets get started. The Starlings continue to draw in the visitors as expected and the main roost has remained on Ham Wall with most birds using the area distant of the 2nd platform. Smaller roosts are occurring in both the Waltons section and on Shapwick Heath. Hopefully if they move visitors or volunteers will be able to update us so we can pass that on to you. The best thing to do is to phone the Starling hotline on 07866 554142 to find out which site they are on then if they are at our reserve or close by, staff or volunteers in our visitor building will be able to guide you closer to the action. Lots of other stuff to see on any visit or while you wait for the starlings. Start at the car park and look out for the firecrests. Lots of sightings this week of at least 2 birds but they are quite mobile. They've been seen in the picnic area, at the small copse on the mini marshes trail, right by the visitor building in the small bush (as I found out on Monday) and in the left hand corner by the road (as you face the road - as I found out on Wednesday) and in the tree lines and boardwalk leading to the reserve (see there yesterday). There are goldcrests about to so look for the black eye stripe and white surround of the eye to distinguish them. On the walk to the reserve look out for a number of birds along the main path including gangs of Long Tailed Tits and other mixed flocks, treecreeper (also seen at Loxtons), great spotted woodpecker, noisy jays and groups of redpoll & siskin seen in the alders - particularly down towards Loxtons end. a group of around 50 Redpoll were reported by a visitor on Tuesday and both were photographed by a visitor this morning. The first and second platforms (VP1 & VP2) offer varying numbers of birds each day. Lapwing numbers fluctuate but a peak of over 300 birds were seen there on Monday morning and there is often a great white egret feeding in this area. Look out also for Snipe which are using the area along with wigeon, shoveler, mallard and gadwall. You may also get the odd bittern sighting as John Crispin discovered yesterday morning thanks John. He's also zoomed in on the shot to show us the long claws it has in its weaponry. VP2 offers much the same, although often you will see more great white egrets here. You may be lucky enough to see more birds in the early morning. You could come and watch the starlings take off and perhaps, as John Crispin did, see several Great Whites take off too from a few different areas. Thanks again John: He also had 3 perched in trees at Loxtons this week: There was a possible Bewick swan in this area on Wednesday and Whooper Swans have been seen locally (including Noah's lake on Shapwick Heath) this week. Look out here also for Sparrowhawk - a few sightings here this week - a good chance of a sighting of one around starling time - no surprises there. Also a peregrine sighted on Tuesday. Look out also for tufted duck amongst the wildfowl with 3 males and a female sen yesterday - also a chance of pintail as they often use this area at this time of year. Greylags and Canada geese also grace the area on most days. Thanks again to Nicola Berry for her shot of Canada geese: A walk to the Avalon Hide will take you past the newly cut and flooded areas. Water still rising slowly in here at present. Teal are enjoying the area with around 150 spotted yesterday along with gadwall & mallard. On the stretch before the wood there were around 50 meadow pipits yesterday but there were also water pipit so look out for them. In the same area a few pied wagtails were feeding as were both male and female stonechat. Thanks to Nicola Berry for her photo taken this week: The final path to the hide once you leave the wood offered us Bearded Tits on Thursday with 3 or 4 heard but not seen. The same thing true of birds heard at VP2 and Tor View Hide this week. A Kestrel was hunting frequently both sides of the Avalon Hide and over the newly flooded area this week. The hide, as always, offers good views of Marsh Harriers as has the Waltons area - including Tor View Hide and VP2. You can also see occasional fly overs in the car park of both Marsh Harriers and Buzzards. Early mornings or late in the day often give good opportunities for some atmospheric shots - I've posted a few recently. Here's another couple from Nicola Berry taken this week - thanks Nicola: How about a close encounter with a heron on a misty morning: and closer still..... Also this week: 4 Ravens over VP2 yesterday but also over the car park on a few days this week, a single Ruff seen from VP2 on Tuesday, Song Thrush also from VP2 yesterday, Water Rail seen from the Tor View Hide on Monday but many being heard around the reserve daily, Fieldfare of VP2 yesterday and Chiffchaff reported along the main path. Here's one snapped by John Crispin yesterday - thanks John: That's it for this week - sorry it's been a bit of a whirlwind report this week - there's just so much to do on this busy reserve - but isn't it a wonderful place. Have a great weekend! File: Early season roostinghttps://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/m/hamwall-mediagallery/781870.aspxMon, 27 Nov 2017 16:23:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:a8979fc8-0f43-4f75-a783-d88a624474feStephen GMagnificent sight. First time visit, got lucky! Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 24.11.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/11/24/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-24-11-2017.aspxFri, 24 Nov 2017 13:53:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:f93a6a9a-01f2-4315-9c95-4f49d93deb57Stephen Couch It's felt more like winter this week with colder, wetter days, darker skies and high winds at times. The colder, shorter days bring about changes in birds behaviour with many birds flocking together for security, warmth and in areas where food is more plentiful or it's more sheltered. Starlings are of course our most classic example of this. Estimates of over 100,000 birds roosting on the reserve each night - these could be quite conservative estimates but this number will undoubtedly grow quickly with this colder weather. One problem we have is that the flock has split. Since last week the main bulk of birds has moved to the top of the reserve - this is quite distant from the 2nd platform (VP2) but can offer good views as its a nice open vista. Other smaller flocks are continuing to use Loxtons and Waltons to roost with some visitors reporting many birds around the Tor View hide - so a smaller display for a shorter walk. Either way it would be worth ringing the Starling Hotline in case the flock moves. We also aim to have our welcome building open as much as possible during the busy starling season and staff and volunteers will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. You could of course be brave and get up early to watch the birds taking off in the morning and you may get a nice sunrise to enjoy as well - thanks to Simon Lewis for the photo: Starlings at sunrise - Simon Lewis Some more early morning pictures taken by John Crispin at the Loxtons section - thanks John: ...and another sent into me by Graham Wagner - thanks Graham. Sunrise from the Avalon Hide: Graham Wagner There are plenty of other birds flocking together to keep you entertained too: There were at least 300 lapwing in front of the 1st platform (VP1) on a few occasions this week - most notably on Tuesday where they frequently popped up into the air and were quite unsettled at times. In the morning c30 black tailed godwits were with them and around 20 snipe were hidden amongst them too. Plenty of duck on site with 100's of birds at several places on Tuesday morning - this includes both platforms (gadwall, mallard, teal wigeon, shoveler), in front of the Loxtons screen (lots of gadwall, wigeon and shoveler) and the Avalon Hide (shoveler and gadwall in particular). It was quite impressive to see so many birds across the reserve on the same day. We are also now bringing up water levels in the open and newly cut areas close to the footpath on the way to the Avalon Hide. c300 teal reported using some of these areas this week. It will be interesting to see what else starts using these areas as water levels rise - a water pipit was reported in here yesterday. Other ducks reported this week include pochard within Waltons and from the Tor View Hide and tufted duck from the Avalon Hide. This tufted duck taken last week by John Crispin - thanks John - hope you are enjoying your holiday this week. Look out for plenty of other flocks of birds that visit us in winter. Fieldfare and redwing are a good example with a group of 8 of the latter seen over the car park this week. Redpoll & siskin can be seen too. Sightings this week from the car park but generally further down the main track flitting in and around the lines of alder trees. The large ones at Loxtons is a good place to start - several seen here yesterday. Plenty of long tailed tit flocks as well. They tend to follow lines of trees and are constantly calling to each other keeping in touch. They are great birds to watch and I always enjoy seeing them. There are often flocks around the screens at Waltons too feeding in the willows there. Thanks to Graham Wagner for his long tailed tit shot taken this week: # Long tailed tit: Graham Wagner Lots of flocks of smaller birds are often mixed so don't always assume they are all of a kind. For example Long tailed tits will hang around with great tit and blue tit also but look out too for other more unusual birds hidden amongst them You may often see birds like goldcrests, possibly firecrest or chiffchaff - or who knows what other unusual warblers may be there. A siberian chiffchaff was seen this week and a yellow browed warbler last week (at the car park) so you never know. We had a couple of sightings of firecrest this week - one at the car park and one further down near VP1. Looking at this photo taken by Graham Wagner I would suggest this is a firecrest with the broad white band above the eye (supercilium) and the black eye stripe which are absent on the goldcrest. Thanks Graham. Firecrest: Graham Wagner Cattle Egrets are still flocking together with 30+ being seen in field in the surrounding area along with the glossy ibis at times. They have also been roosting together - sometimes on Ham wall but it has also been suggested that they have roosted in front of Noah's hide on Shapwick Heath this week too. The Glossy Ibis has also put in a couple of appearances at VP1 this week but has been far more elusive over the last fortnight than in previous weeks. As if all this wasn't enough there are still plenty of other things to report. Marsh harriers have been particularly active this week. Lots of sightings from the Avalon Hide and across Waltons too. Several sightings from the Tor View Hide this week too. On Tuesday I had 2 birds flying together and often interacting with each other. At the same time, more distantly, over Loxtons I could see a further 2 birds doing something similar. there have also been similar reports of birds in front of the Avalon Hide showing similar behaviour. Yesterday, interaction of a different kind between a marsh harrier and a sparrowhawk from the Tor View Hide with other reports of sparrowhawk across the reserve too throughout the week. These birds appear more frequently around starling roost time - not surprisingly and we've also reports of Peregrine on a couple of occasions. These birds can be seen in the mornings too often dropping into the reedbeds after the starlings have left to pick up any dead or struggling birds for an easy meal. A couple of Great White Egrets did this too last week - perhaps they were doing the same? Other birds of prey seen and heard this week include a Red Kite seen from the VP2 on Monday, buzzards seen daily and tawny owl heard from Central Wood during the week. Barn Owls could also be seen and they are known to pick of starlings as we find carcasses in the owl boxes when we clear them out or ring owlets. Other favourites seen this week include Bittern flights from the Avalon Hide (inc 2 on Tuesday) and within Waltons in particular with one flying in front of the 1st screen there yesterday. Kingfisher also seen from the same location - Waltons is a bit of a hot spot but sightings have also been had from the Loxtons screen and the Avalon Hide as Graham Wagner's shots show - thanks again Graham: Kingfisher: Graham Wagner Bearded tits are still being seen - perhaps not quite as frequently as before but the fact that they have been seen and heard from the Avalon Hide this week and on the path to the Tor View Hide yesterday is really good. I even had some whilst I was at Greylake last week doing some work in their reedbed which is great. Also this week: Brambling seen in the car park on Monday, Raven flying over yesterday, another otter sighting - this time from the VP2 yesterday afternoon, the usual kestrel being seen from VP1 and close to the Avalon Hide, vocal water rails (listen out for their calls - they sound like squealing pigs) - one also seen from the Tor View Hide - keep a look out here, coal tit in the car park, still lots of greylag geese c40+ using the area in front of VP2 and smaller numbers of Canada Geese too making plenty of noise c30, Stonechats being spotted from the Avalon Hide and the 2nd platform on a regular basis, treecreepers (pictured) being seen quite often along the main track and a few butterflies still being spotted such as Red Admiral and Comma (end of last week) along with a few Common and Ruddy Darter dragonflies seen earlier this week although any more frosts are likely to see these off completely. Treecreeper: Graham Wagner That's about it for this week - happy hunting everyone and have a great weekend! Blog Post: Reserve team update at RSPB Ham Wall - 17.11.17https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/11/17/reserve-team-update-at-rspb-ham-wall-17-11-17.aspxFri, 17 Nov 2017 16:08:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:86d49f4d-f3ff-4d66-ab0a-fb032bbf538fAli Blaney As always it’s been a busy time here at Ham Wall, so busy in fact that I missed my blog slot in October. However Steve C is off today so I’m sneaking my November management blog into his usual Friday slot, with a few sightings and an important notice about a road closure in at the end to try and keep everyone happy! Car Park work Most noticeable to many of you will be the work that has taken place in the car park area, which Steve C touched on last week. The wildflower islands have been strimmed and raked up. A huge amount of vegetation was cleared. Hopefully lots of nice wildflower seed has fallen during this process and will be ready and waiting for next spring. As well as the strimming and raking we have: re-staked some of the trees on the wildflower islands; added guttering to the lovely shelter in the Mini-Marshes; started clearing alder saplings from the edges of the ponds and ditches; trimmed the hedge underneath the powerline; finished the planter behind the screens in the wildlife garden and filled in a LOT of potholes in the carpark. A huge amount of work over the past couple of weeks. Big thanks to the volunteers for doing all these tough physical jobs! Habitat Management Further down the reserve we’ve finished work on the area in front of the first viewing platform and in Waltons reedbed, a combined effort from our weekday and weekend work parties plus a corporate group visit. As well as that first island nearest the railpath, the area in front of Tor View Hide has been strimmed and raked again, as has the end of the island opposite the hide. The first island is looking particularly good, we’ve cut strategic tracks through the reeds and left patches of cover too, which should give some good views from the first screen on your right if you head down towards the hide. Now the work is finished, we have opened up the pipe between the two Waltons compartments to get water moving. We had pumped a lot of water out of Waltons West into Waltons East earlier in the year and now need to bring the water up in Waltons West and down in Waltons East. This will then create some nice splashy areas on the newly cut islands, so keep your eyes on those! The willow viewing screens around Waltons have also been given some attention recently, by Sunday and Thursday volunteer groups. The old willow has been removed, nearby trees pollarded for new whips and those have been weaved in. The screen along the South side needed quite a lot of re-working and the Sunday team did a fantastic job, as you can see in volunteer Vicki's photo below: Willow screen round Waltons - Vicki Bruss Reedbed rejuvenation work If you’ve been to the reserve recently you may have noticed a lot of activity in the large reedbed area on the north of the reserve, between the first viewing platform and the path to the Avalon Hide. Known as Phase Two High (Ph2H), this is the second reedbed compartment currently undergoing rejuvenation. The first area, for those interested, is the large compartment to the North visible from the second viewing platform, known as Phase one (Ph1)! Over the past few years Ph2H has been dried out, cut, grazed and flooded at various points. All this is done to reset the clock in the reedbed. The final step before flooding was a final cut of the reed growth and clearing the reed from the ditch edges. Phase two High - cut and cleared ready for flooding The flooding process aims to kill off the reed growth, leaving a much more open area with more varied edge habitat – how Ph1 looked a couple of years ago before the reed growth started to pick up again. The exciting news is we have now started to bring the water levels up in Ph2H! On Tuesday Site Manager Steve H and I visited a number of sluices to ensure boards were in and out where they needed to be before we started moving water about. The water is coming from Looks Rank reedbed which is North of Ph1, through Ph1 and into Ph2H. We had to check and/or alter nine sluices in total across the North of the reserve to make sure the water ends up where we want and doesn’t go into places it shouldn’t – ie a different compartment or into the Ham Wall Rhyne which eventually pumps out into the canal. The water level will come up slightly in Ph1 during this process but only by a couple of inches before the water then spills over into Ph2H. We were out again today checking to see how our sluices were holding up against the rising water levels (a few leaks needed plugging – very messy job involving clay and very cold water!) Such a lovely morning to be out and about though – stonechats and snipe seemed to be all around us and we saw a number of water pipits in Ph2H. We’re aiming for a really nice splashy habitat which should be great for wildfowl, egrets and herons amongst other things. Hopefully it’ll draw in quite a few birds for feeding and roosting. You might be thinking it’s a shame all these birds will be drawn into an area that you can’t normally see from the public trails….but we’ve thought of this already! We’ll be putting up a couple of temporary viewing structures in strategic locations, so that you’ll be able to get closer to this impending spectacle. You should also still get good raised views from the canal bank and rail path in places. When we can see where those good spots are, we’ll get the screens up and the new trails open as soon as possible. Bearded tit surveys We carried out two bearded tit surveys at Ham Wall, one late September and one mid October. Pinging had been heard all over the reserve prior to the September survey and we were quietly confident the count could be a high one, with Site Manager Steve H holding out for a count near the 200 mark. The volunteers and I spread out across the reserve on an absolutely perfect morning in September and got counting. As we all gathered at the end of the survey to discuss our transects it quickly became clear it had indeed been a very active day across the site for bearded tits. After cross checking all the locations and timings of sightings to avoid double counting, our final total for the day came in at an amazing 236 birds! Almost 100 more than the previous highest count from 2012. The total would have been 237 birds had a hobby not snatched one of them during the survey, witnessed by volunteer Simon A and his daughter! The October survey unfortunately proved to be a washout, with un-forecast rain calling an early end to the proceedings. A mere 28 birds were recorded but it didn’t matter, the September survey had been so perfect and we’re all so chuffed with the total that even an unexpected soaking couldn’t dampen our spirits. Important notice – road closure next week From Monday 20 November until Friday 24 November there will be no access to the reserve from the village of Ashcott. Somerset Highways will be carrying out earthworks just south of the reserve entrance. The reserve will still be accessible from the North, via Ashcott road from the village of Meare. Please visit www.roadworks.org for further information on the alternative route. And finally….Sightings! It wouldn’t be Friday without at least a few sightings and photos from our volunteers and visitors. On Saturday morning John Crispin reported a tawny owl calling from central wood, near the Avalon Hide. He also saw three Marsh Harriers flying simultaneously over the area in front of the hide, while one ruff and two great white egrets were on Ph1. Visitor Simon Lewis took this stunning shot of a great white egret on Sunday. Great white egret – Simon Lewis Female marsh harrier - John Crispin. John's photo really highlights the impressive wingspan On a frosty Monday morning two great white egrets were seen flying into Loxtons West before the starlings had departed. On Wednesday a green woodpecker was seen and heard calling in the Waltons pond area, along with a great spotted woodpecker in the same area. A bittern was reported flying on Waltons West and a wisp of 20 snipe were flying around and finally landed in Looks Low, in front of the first viewing platform. Thanks for these John Crispin! Drake wigeon moulting out of eclipse - John Crispin. The flank feathers are just beginning to show and there is a slight hint of the creamy-yellow crown Little grebe in the early morning sun - John Crispin Lots of geese can be seen on the move at the moment. On Sunday morning John had c40 greylag on Ph1 along with c150 lapwing. Steve C and I had c125 greylag over the carpark during our Thursday volunteer work party. The Wednesday volunteer group reported a yellow-browed warbler near the picnic benches in the Mini-marshes area while they were on their mid-morning break. Later on three meadow pipits were seen in the same area, while the Thursday volunteers had three bearded tits pinging around them in the Mini-marshes ponds. That’s it I’m afraid for sightings this week, normal sightings service will resume next Friday but I hope you’ve enjoyed the management blog instead. To finish off, here’s a stunning photo of the starlings dawn lift-off from Simon Lewis, taken on Sunday - thanks Simon! Starlings at dawn - Simon Lewis Have a lovely weekend everyone! Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 10.11.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/11/10/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-10-11-2017.aspxFri, 10 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:858e74ed-6c0d-4e72-a9f8-6f2f485c300eStephen Couch A great effort from our practical volunteers this Wednesday & Thursday have seen the car park islands cut and cleared, trees staked, pot holes filled, guttering put up on the new education shelter and signs cleaned and repaired and much more. Thank you so much for all the hard work you all put in. It's all looking great and we will all enjoy seeing the wildflower show again in the spring thanks to your efforts. Even from the car park there's plenty of wildlife to see. A rather nice flyover by a Bittern yesterday was nice to see while a few Marsh Harrier flights were recorded too. A buzzard was once again perched on one of the telegraph poles although I have forgotten to mention that on the last 2 Fridays 2 were sat on either side of the same pole like a couple of bookends. Smaller birds are still enjoying using the feeders, although one or two rats are also getting their faces on camera too. Goldfinches are moving around in flocks whilst small flocks of Redpoll have also been seen. Close by on the main track look out for gangs of Long Tailed Tits, Chiffchaff, Blackcaps (females seen), Song Thrush, Treecreepers (also seen between the 2 platforms)a and Bullfinches - a pair spotted on Sunday and a female reported on Thursday so I've raided the John Crispin archives for a photo to suit - thanks John: It's still very mild (Wednesday was a fabulous day) and despite a couple of frosts you can still see several butterflies and dragonflies on the wing. Check out the Ivy in particular on the main path on the way to the 1st platform. It's south facing and in a good sheltered spot with the Ivy offering a good late nectar source. Red Admirals in particular are enjoying this but you can also add to these Peacock, Speckled Wood and Small Tortoiseshell. In terms of dragonflies a visitor reported seeing a Migrant Hawker whilst I can certainly add both Common and Ruddy Darter (mating pairs last week) to this now very small list. As you get to the 1st platform you can feast your eyes on a host of species - well it certainly seems to have been a busier week here with many different species recorded. The Glossy Ibis has been spotted here a few times this week - it was very close in yesterday apparently offering great views, whilst several wader species have also been spotted. Dunlin reported on Wednesday, 3 Ruff yesterday along with around 50 Lapwing and 3 Snipe also seen. Both Great White Egret and Little Egret also seen along with the usual selection of duck including Wigeon and Teal. It's a similar story down at the second viewing platform (often referred to as VP2 in case you hear people talking about this - no prizes for guessing what the 1st viewing platform is shortened to). Another good array of birds again Lapwing but here more often than not you are looking at between 150 -200 birds. A group of 20 Snipe have been seen in flight a couple of times this week before settling whilst 3 Ruff - perhaps the same ones as at VP1 were also recorded. There's also been a few Bittern flights recorded here this week as well as over Waltons, at Loxtons and from the Avalon Hide chances of seeing one aren't too bad - although this time of year they are far more secretive. John Crispin got this shot from VP2 this week - odd how it's toe appears to stick up. Thanks John: There's also a good selection of ducks as at VP1 too including: Wigeon (c200 seen on Sunday), Teal (c30 seen on Sunday), Shoveler, Mallard & Gadwall but you can add to this Pintail with 2 males and a female seen on Sunday - they are popping in from time to time so keep your eyes open. Here's a snapshot of what you may see there at present: There's also a fair number of geese using this area. Around 60 Greylags are roosting here each night with the majority taking off in the morning and heading west. Groups of Canada Geese also gather here. Thanks to John Crispin for these shots all taken this week: Greylag Geese taking off: John Crispin Single Greylag with a Coot for company: John Crispin Canada Geese taking off: John Crispin If you are watching things take to the sky in the morning you will most likely catch the Starlings too. They are still roosting in Loxtons (the majority are) with conservative estimates of 50,000 birds taking off around 7.15am (coming in to roost from 4pm onward). Give the Starling Hotline a ring if you are planning a visit just in case the roost moves location 07866 554142 a recorded message will give you the last known location. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time if you're planning a Starling visit - you can always take in some of the sights mentioned above or take a stroll to the Avalon Hide. There have been a couple of interesting visitors here this week (of the feathered variety). A Ferrugenous Duck (drake) was spotted on Wednesday - there are some photos on Twitter (also talk of a female too on one occasion but not reported again). It was seen again yesterday and this morning so worth a look if you need it for your list. It was seen hanging around with a couple of Pochard at one point. Also a few Water Pipits recorded around the site - including one here on Thursday. I've included another archive photo here to help you look out for this character: Also here look out for Tawny Owl in the wood behind. Has been known to stick his head out of the box in the woodland during the last couple of weeks. One was also heard this time last week during the middle of the day. In front of the hide there have been plenty of Shoveler on most days and 130 Gadwall counted here on Thursday. There's also a good chance of Marsh Harrier here on most days. Males and 2 different females have been seen this week - distinguished by their pale wing bars and shoulders. Also this week: One or two Roe deer being spotted in and around the reserve, Jays still sen along the main path collecting acorns, Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen daily, 4 Great White Egrets counted in Loxtons on Sunday, Good stuff from the Tor View hide this week (inc. Cettis Warbler close in, Water Rail in front, Bittern Marsh Harrier Kingfisher & Bearded Tit), Bearded Tits also seen in front of the 2nd platform (4 on Thursday), Stonechats (male and female) seen in front of both platforms, Kestrel still performing well in front of 1st platform and close to the Avalon Hide and Kingfishers reported from screens at both Waltons and Loxtons: Who knows what next week will bring. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! Comment on Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 03.11.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/11/03/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-03-11-2017.aspxSat, 04 Nov 2017 17:57:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:c52be418-a74e-4bcd-88a9-da48e75ad96aSteve Elcoate Very interesting - great blog. Blog Post: Recent Sightings at RSPB Ham Wall - 03.11.2017https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/hamwall/b/hamwall-blog/archive/2017/11/03/recent-sightings-at-rspb-ham-wall-03-11-2017.aspxFri, 03 Nov 2017 16:34:00 GMT6174fb62-ac55-4f5d-840d-caedeb3eebf5:cbfd8c73-19bd-4561-ae98-7a7f0c9a40a3Stephen Couch Yet another busy week on the reserve for both staff and wildlife. We've been continuing to clear areas of Waltons with volunteers - opening up some views from the 3rd screen and the Tor View Hide. There's a bit more to do but we are making good progress. I've also been out cutting with our machine in areas close and on the way to the Avalon Hide. A contractor has been in and cleared out the ditches which just leaves a bit more cutting to go before we flood this area back up - will be interesting to see what pops in here. We aim to allow some viewing of this by installing a couple of temporary screens. We'll let you know how we progress. There's been the usual bounty of wildlife sightings this week. Yet another Otter sighting - with one from the Tor view hide on Wednesday and I think another from earlier in the week which I cant confirm but it's at least one a week at the moment - really nice to hear. Winter birds are on the move too with an increase in Redwing sightings this week - seen from both platforms on Tuesday whilst I got my first Fieldfare of the season as they flew over on Wednesday with their chuckling calls. Redpolls and Siskins too are being seen a little more - particularly along the main path - try the large Alders by Loxtons. Stonechats often spend winters on the reserve and they have been spotted in front of both platforms this week and from the Tot View Hide. There were 3 close to the Avalon Hide this morning whilst I was out and about. I've been seeing mostly males but just the odd female - thanks to Simon Lewis for sending in these shots taken this week. Look out for them perching up high on reed stems - often flicking their tails. Whilst you're on the lookout for these keep your ears open for Bearded Tits too. They are still being seen and heard across the reserve. At this time of year they switch their diet from insects etc to seed - you may see them in some places taking up grit to help with digestion ( lots of reports from Westhay reserve of this). They've been recorded from both platforms this week, at Loxtons, from the Avalon Hide and Tor View Hide so you have a good chance. Thanks to John Crispin for sending in these shots of a lovely male taken this week: You will also perhaps encounter Reed Buntings during your search too - both John and Simon caught shots of a female on reed heads this week and sent them in - thanks to both of you - lovely shots: All the usual suspects are appearing too. Several bittern sightings this week - including 2 for me on Thursday morning as they appeared out of the mist. Great White Egrets too are seen daily although less conspicuous from the 1st platform this week (same can be said of the Glossy Ibis) but it's not to say they are never there. The second platform has offered plenty of sightings of them this week and the Glossy Ibis has also been seen here. Few reports of Cattle Egrets this week although misty mornings may have prevented sightings of birds leaving their roost. Misty days do offer opportunities for some lovely atmospheric shots of the reserve though - thanks agin to Simon Lewis for sending these in: Of all the heron species at Ham Wall you are far more likely to encounter the Grey Heron. Several have been seen feeding along the main drain this week often letting people get quite close before flying off. They fish out in the more open areas too - thanks to John Crispin for these action shots of a Grey Heron doing battle with a large fish: That should keep it going for a while. It looks like the area in front of the 2nd platform where there has been a good selection of birds this week.Plenty of Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall and the odd Tufted Duck can be seen (Pochard were also seen in front of the Avalon Hide this week with lots of Shoveler). In terms of waders: Lapwing can be seen most days with as many as 100 counted during the week. There were several up in flight this morning and some have even been displaying a little. Amongst them in flight this morning were around 40 Black Tailed Godwits - which have also been recorded on the ground here too. Also seen this week were Ruff (at least 3), Dunlin and Snipe. Canada Geese have been seen but its the 50-70 Greylag Geese roosting here which is more interesting. But yet more interesting than that were the 16 White Fronted Geese which flew over the reserve in a loose 'V' formation at 9.45am on Sunday morning. Once again John Crispin was on hand to take a few shots of these birds. There's lots of stuff on the move so you never know what you may see. Thanks John: The 2nd platform is also a good place to stop and look for Marsh Harriers (as is the Avalon Hide) males and females both seen this week. John Crispin saw this female showing very extensive pale feathering. These feather variations can help with identifying individual birds: Another nice surprise this week was a Short Eared Owl spotted by a few visitors over Waltons and from the Tor View Hide. Thanks to Liz Slinn for sending in the photos but well done to her daughter Ella who is just 14 - thanks for some lovely shots Ella. I love the first one in particular as it's looking right down your lens: Also this week: a Stoat seen close to the 1st platform - common place to see these - they often run across the track around here, Bullfinches seen near the 2nd platform and up near the old station house at the very start of the track, Chiffchaff heard singing throughout the week, Coal Tit at the car park, Great Spotted Woodpeckers at various locations around the reserve, Tawny Owl calling from "Central Wood" (the one on the way to the Avalon Hide) at lunchtime today, Kingfishers seen at Waltons, Loxtons, 1st platform and the Avalon Hide, Water Rail seen around the base of the Tor View Hide on a few occasions this week with a very vocal Cettis Warbler nearby, gangs of Long Tailed Tits following all the tree lines, a female Kestrel seen hunting daily from the 1st platform (2 seen on one day) and Jays seen collecting acorns along the main path - photographed by John Crispin - thanks John: Finally a nice photo from Simon Lewis of a Moorhen doing its best impression of a road runner (yes I know its over water but it's a good impression). Thanks Simon: That's it for this week - apologies if there are a few grammatical errors or spelling mistakes this week, I've had hardly any time to write it and it's been a bit of a rush. I hope you enjoy it none the less. Have a great weekend.